The U.S. Department of Education recently released a proposed regulation that would add sexual orientation and gender identity as protected characteristics under Title IX, the federal civil rights law that protects students from discrimination in federally-funded educational activities and programs. Under Trump, actions were taken to weaken Title IX, including:

• Rescinding guidance to schools around protecting transgender students.

• Creating greater barriers for students who have experienced sexual assault.

• Making it more difficult for students to report sexual assault and harassment.

President Biden has already taken action to undo these horrible policies, but there’s still work to be done. This is especially true as states pass legislation targeting LGBTQ+ youth, such as Florida’s controversial “Don’t Say Gay or Trans” law.

That’s where you come in.

The proposed regulation is open to public comment until Monday, September 12. We need to ensure that people make their voices heard and support the right of LGBTQ+ students to go into school without fear of discrimination. If you want to help, here’s what to do:

1. Go to the public comment submission page here.

2. Review this tip sheet on how to craft an effective comment.

3. Submit your comment for review.

4. Share this page with others and encourage them to do the same.

It’s up to all of us to ensure no LGBTQ+ student feels unsafe in the classroom. Submit your comment before the September 12 deadline!